Council approves land development for new public works facility; mayor calls it a major upgrade

Chester City Council granted preliminary and/or final land-development approval on Jan. 22 for a new public works complex at West Second Street and Penhall Street that will include a 13,228-square-foot garage and office, a 4,500-square-foot salt shed and a 4,800-square-foot covered maintenance facility.

The resolution, presented with recommendations from the Chester City Planning Commission and a Delaware County Planning Commission review, conditions approval on addressing comments in the planning and zoning department review letter dated Jan. 3, 2025, a fire marshal memo dated Jan. 7, 2025, and a Chester Shade Tree Commission review dated Jan. 8, 2025. The plan submitted is dated Oct. 11, 2024, and prepared by Colliers Engineering and Design.

Mayor Ruth commented that the new facility will be “front facing on 291, the road that is most traveled second to I-95 through the city,” and called the project “a very expensive endeavor” that will put residents to work and bring the city’s public works operations to the forefront.

The mayor said construction is anticipated to be completed no later than December 2026 and noted the facility will provide indoor space for equipment, a covered maintenance area and a salt shed for winter operations. The council approved the resolution by roll call with all named members recorded as voting yes.

The approval requires the applicant to address the outstanding review comments before final permits are issued. The planning and engineering documents cited in the resolution are on file with the city planning department.